Whenever I travel, I want to have the perfect outfit for each occasion—without packing my entire wardrobe. First, I pick my dreamy Costa Rica itinerary (because one trip can include a city, a beach, and a cloud forest). Then I decide where I am going to stay. Last, I start planning which outfits I am going to pack.
It may not be easy to achieve, especially when travelling to different places and climates, possibly including both cities and beach towns. Costa Rica’s Pacific side typically has a clearer dry season and rainy season rhythm, while other regions can feel different week to week. (Visit Costa Rica) How do you simplify and solve this problem?
Start by making a list of events you will be attending, especially those that are more fashion-oriented: nice dinners, a sunset cruise, a gallery opening, a coffee tour, a festival, a “let’s just pop into town” night. Then try to mix and match every outfit. For example, your favourite black shirt can go with jeans for the plane trip and later be paired with a boho-long skirt to attend an outdoor music festival (or dressed up with jewellery for dinner).
Always have a couple of everyday dresses. Choose breathable, quick-drying fabrics that don’t hate humidity. They are easy to pack and you can throw on almost any one of them to go anywhere and look polished—beach walk, café stop, casual dinner, even a day of exploring when you want to feel put-together without trying too hard.
“Layers” is my favourite word. Plan to wear the same simple dress with a soft, open cardigan for air-conditioned restaurants, and add a lightweight rain jacket as needed—especially in the rainy/green season when showers can show up right on schedule (or right after you’ve done your hair). (Instituto Costarricense de Turismo) Try to have at least one of every item possible: a pair of shorts, a skirt (or light trousers), a bathing suit, and rainwear. I promise you will not regret being prepared for any possible situation and weather condition.
Keep in mind that you can make a single item fit more than one scenario, such as converting your sarong from the beach into your scarf for the mountains, or using a linen button-down as both a swimsuit cover-up and a dinner layer.
Shoes can be the hardest items to pack, tending to weigh more and take up more space in your suitcase. So I normally go with three options: a pair of nice sandals (that you can actually walk in), a pair of flip-flops, and a pair of sneakers or trail runners. If colder or mistier weather is expected in higher elevations, maybe add a light boot instead of an extra “fashion” shoe.
One last modern travel note: keep your carry-on liquids organised and within airport rules so you don’t lose your favourite products at security. (Transportation Security Administration)
Now, you should be good to go!
